September is always a busy time of year. Students head back to school, many heritage organizations reset after Labour Day, and there always seems to be a lot of activities to pack in before cooler weather arrives. I sifted through my “To Be Read” pile for historical fiction titles, so I can have immersive and cozy reading experiences when the days get shorter.
While sitting with a steaming cup of lavender tea, I thought about my favourite historical fiction titles over the years and then a memory unlocked: I read my first historical fiction book as a Grade 6 student back in 1990!
The book Your Time, My Time by Ann Walsh was then a recently released time-travel novel based in modern-day Wells and historical Barkerville. Recommended to me by Mrs. Lapadat, the Chase River Elementary School librarian, the book was the first to connect my budding reading interests: local history, timetravel fiction, and a compelling female protagonist. These genres remain among my favourite reads. A decade later I managed to track down a copy of Your Time, My Time at a used bookstore.
Today I reflect on the power of these genres to engage young readers with BC history. Do you remember the first history book to make an impression on you?
by Dr. Luschiim Arvid Charlie and Nancy J. Turner
